Beverage Container Holder

Abstract

A beverage container holder having a pair of circular rings that are vertically aligned and are connected by a handle. The holder can be secured to any of various beverage containers. The pair of rings are adjustable via a ratchet and strap mechanism, wherein the ratchet and strap mechanism allows for the incremental tightening of the ratchet strap around the beverage container and allows the diameter of the rings to be adjusted. The pair of rings are secured around the circumference of a beverage container having a cylindrical shape and are situated so as to be flush with the exterior surface of the beverage container. An ergonomic finger nub is disposed on each of the rings for adjustment of the ratchet and strap. The pair of rings are positioned in a way to enable the user to place the beverage container and beverage container holder into a vehicle cup holder.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/916,868 filed on Dec. 17, 2013. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a beverage container holder having a pair of adjustable rings that are vertically aligned, each ring comprising a circular shape, and further having a handle connecting said pair of adjustable rings. The pair of rings are adjustable, and preferably include a ratchet and strap mechanism, wherein the ratchet and strap mechanism allows for the incremental tightening of the ratchet strap around the beverage container and allows for the increase or decrease in the diameter of each of the pair of rings.

Conventional cup holders have various configurations, wherein some cup holders provide base portion, handles and ring structure for grasping the exterior of a beverage container holder. Other cup holders provide structures that are adjustable to accommodate different dimensions of cups. These devices however, do not involve the use of incremental tightening of a strap to accommodate a beverage container and do not provide for a pair of rings for optimal securement of the beverage container.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a new and improved beverage container holder having a pair of rings for securement to the exterior of a beverage container, wherein the pair of rings comprises a ratchet strap and ratchet buckle for the incremental tightening of the strap for the increase and decrease of diameter of the ring structure. This mechanism allows for the beverage container holder to accommodate various sized beverage container. The invention further provides a handle disposed between the pair of rings having contours and curves to facilitate the gripping thereof. The invention is adapted to enable the user to place a beverage container having the beverage container holder applied thereto within a vehicle cup holder.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to cup holder apparatuses. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These devices generally relate to cup holders having rings for placement around a standard beverage container and includes handles for the gripping thereof. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

Specifically U.S. Publication No. 2006/0175506 to Lan provides an adjustable cup holder that can be utilized to hold various types of cups. The device comprises a flexible ring and a handle, wherein the flexible ring can be adjusted for securement to different sized beverage containers. The present invention provides a cup holder having a pair of adjustable rings that include a handle disposed therebetween. The rings allow for the adjustment of the diameter thereof for securement to various sized beverage containers.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,207,538 to Fawkes discloses a beverage holder that is adapted to hold a plastic beverage bottle having a bottom collar adapted to accept the bottom surface of a beverage container. The device includes a handle having ridges on the interior side thereof in order to enable a user to place their hand thereunder to which one's knuckles rest against the ridges for gripping of the beverage bottle to which it is applied. The present invention however, provides a handle and a pair of adjustable ring members for securement to the circumference of a beverage container.

U.S. Publication No. 2012/0074155 to Yeung provides a holder for removable cups having a ring structure connected to a handle. The user can place a cup into the ring for securement thereto and grasp the handle for transportation of the beverage container. However, the present invention provides a pair of rings for a more stable securement to a beverage container, wherein each of the rings is adjustable so as to fit various sized containers. Further, the device is adapted to be placed in a standard vehicle cup holder.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,631 to Kochan describes a removable bottle handle to be utilized with soft drink containers that enables the user to carry a bottle, wherein the bottle handle is expandable and provides a sleeve to engage the bottle with a hand grip. The device can be placed over the body of a bottle and can slide downward thereon for attachment thereto. However, this device does not provide a way to adjust the sleeve to accept various bottles sizes.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,592,501 to Roger provides a holder for a disposable beverage container that includes a support base and curved arms. The user can place the base of a beverage container into the support base of the device while the curved arms of the device can be placed around the exterior of the beverage container. Still, this device prevents a user from placing the beverage container into a vehicle cup holder. The present invention however, is adapted to be attached to a beverage container while still enabling the user to place the beverage container into a vehicle cup holder.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,784,578 to Southwick contemplates a beverage can holder that can be mounted to a beverage can and enables the user to drink the contents of a beverage can without having it spill. The device further provides a supporting pad located in a recess for the absorption of moisture that emits from the beverage container to which it is applied. Still, the present invention provides a beverage container holder having a pair of rings connected to one another via a handle that is disposed therebetween, wherein each ring is adjustable in diameter.

These prior art devices have several known drawbacks. The above discussed cup holders do not provide a beverage container holder having a pair of rings that are vertically aligned in a stacked orientation in relation to one another comprising a circular shape having a handle therebetween for securement to a beverage container. Further, the pair of rings of the present invention are adjustable via a ratchet and strap mechanism. The handle can further be height adjustable in an alternative embodiment. In light of the devices disclosed in the prior art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing beverage container devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of cup holders now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new beverage container holder, wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when securing a holder to a beverage of various sizes and heights.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved beverage container holder device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a beverage container holder having a pair of adjustable rings for securement to various sized beverage containers.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a beverage container having a handle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a beverage container having an ergonomic finger nub to aid in the adjustment of the pair of adjustable rings.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a beverage container holder adapted to be applied to a beverage container and that can then be placed within a standard vehicle cup holder.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a view of the beverage container holder having a pair of rings connected to one another via a handle.

FIG. 2 shows a view of the beverage container holder secured to a beverage container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the beverage container holder. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for holding and transporting beverage containers. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a view of the beverage container holder 11 having a pair of rings 12, 13 connected to one another via a handle 14. The beverage container holder 11 provides a pair of rings 12, 13 being a first ring 12 and a second ring 13 that are vertically aligned in a stacked orientation in relation to one another. The rings 12, 13 are disposed in a horizontal orientation and are substantially parallel to one another. The rings 12, 13 preferably include a circular shape and provide an ergonomic finger nub disposed thereon. The pair of rings 12, 13 are connected to one another via a handle 14. A first end of the handle 14 is connected to the first ring 12 and a second end of the handle 14 is connected to the second ring 13. The handle 14 is connected to an exterior portion of each ring 12, 13 and extends outward from said rings 12, 13. The handle 14 comprises a C-shape and may include ridges thereon for facilitating the grasping of the handle 14.

The pair of rings 12, 13 each includes an adjustment mechanism that allows each ring to be adjusted in diameter in order to accommodate various sized beverage containers. The adjustment mechanism preferably comprises a fastener that is a ratchet buckle and strap type of fastener, wherein the ratchet strap 17 provides a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side having a plurality of serrations or serrated teeth disposed on the first side thereof. The first ring 12 provides a first ratchet strap 17 and the second ring provides a second ratchet strap 17, respectively. The ratchet buckle provides a housing 16 with an open end and a second end having an interior volume that slidably receives the ratchet strap 17 via an open end. The ratchet strap 17 can be inserted within the interior volume of the housing for engagement therewith, wherein the interior of the housing 16 is adapted for engagement with the serrated teeth of the ratchet strap 17. The ratchet buckle and ratchet strap 17 is adapted for the incremental tightening and quick release of the strap 17 from the housing 16.

A locking mechanism is provided within the housing 16 that sustains the ratchet strap 17 in tightened position, wherein the ratchet strap 17 can be incrementally fed into the housing 16 and incrementally locked via the serrated teeth. A release lever 15 is provided for the sliding release of the ratchet strap 17 from the housing, wherein the user can manually actuate the release lever 15 and upon actuation, the strap 17 having the serrated teeth thereon can be incrementally release from the housing 16 in order to increase the diameter of the at least one of the pair of rings 12, 13 and thus loosen the tightness of at least one of the pair of rings 12, 13.

The handle 14 of the beverage container holder 11 is disposed between the pair of rings 12, 13 in a perpendicular orientation thereto. The handle 14 comprises a substantially planar structure being a U-shape that includes various curves adapted to be accommodate the natural contours and curves of a hand therein in order to enable the user to readily grip thereon. The handle 14 however, can comprise a linear portion in an alternative embodiment such that it lacks any curves or contours. The U-shape provides a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is affixed to the first ring 12 and the second end is affixed to the second ring 13. The first end and the second end of the handle 14 of the beverage container holder 11 can be affixed to the first ring 12 and the second ring 13 via screws forming one unitary body and leaving a hollow space between the handle and the first ring and the second ring. However, the first end and the second end of the handle 14 can be affixed to the first ring 12 and the second ring 13 via bolts, pins, nails and/or other suitable fasteners. Further, the handle 14 can be integral with the first ring 12 and the second ring 13 without the use of fasteners.

FIG. 2 shows a view of the beverage container holder 11 secured to a beverage container 18. The beverage container holder 11 can be utilized with a standard beverage container 18 having a base, sidewalls defining an interior volume, an open upper, an exterior side and an interior side. Further, the beverage container holder 11 can be utilized with beverage containers of varying materials such as plastic, foam, cardboard, paper and other materials. In operation, a user can insert the beverage container into the interior of the first ring 12 such that the exterior of the upper portion beverage container 18 rests against the interior surface of the first ring 12. Similarly, the lower end of the beverage container 18 is disposed within the interior of the second ring 13 such that an exterior of the lower portion of the beverage container rests against the interior surface of the second ring 13. The user can then place the second end of the ratchet strap 17 within the open end of the housing 16 in an incremental fashion to decrease the diameter of the first ring 12 to a desired size that fits the beverage container 18 to which it is applied in a snug manner as not to slide from the beverage container holder. The user can then proceed to place the second side of the second ring 13 against the exterior side of the beverage container 18 until it flush therewith and proceed to place the second end of the ratchet strap 17 within the open end of the housing 16 in an incremental fashion to decrease the diameter of the second ring 13.

The serrated teeth on the first side of the ratchet strap 17 extends to the edge of the first end thereof and extend towards the first end of the ratchet strap 17 but not to the edge thereof, thus an ergonomic finger nub 20 is disposed near the first end of the first and second ratchet straps 17 of both the first ring 12 and the second ring 13 and is integral therewith. The ergonomic finger nub 20 comprises a protruding portion with an outer edge and inner edge, wherein the protruding portion outwardly abuts from the first ring 12 and the second ring 12 of the first ratchet strap 17 and the second ratchet strap 17. The ergonomic finger nub 20 further provides a sloped area on the first side of the first ratchet strap 17 and the first side of the second ratchet strap 17 extending from the protruding portion to the first end of the first ratchet strap 17 and the second ratchet strap 17. The user can place one's thumb against the outer edge of the protruding portion and place one's index finger against the second end of the housing 16 in order to draw open end of the housing 16 towards the first end of the ratchet strap 17 in order to easily adjust both the first ratchet strap 17 and second ratchet strap 17 of the first ring 12 and the second ring 13, respectively. The beverage container holder 11 can be made from plastic in a preferred embodiment, however the beverage container holder 11 can be made from stainless steel, rubber, metal, wood, foam, neoprene and/or other suitable materials.

The first ring 12 of the beverage container holder 11 is adapted as such to be situated nearer the open upper of the beverage container 18, while the second ring 13 is situated further away from the open upper and nearer the base of the beverage container 18. The beverage container holder 11 can be slid upward or downward along the exterior surface of the beverage container 18 for optimal positioning. Further, the beverage container holder 11 is adapted to be positioned on the exterior surface of a beverage container 18, such that the beverage container 18 may be placed within a vehicle cup holder and will not hinder the placement therein. The user can place one's fingers through the hollow space located between the first end and the second end of the handle 14, wherein the user's fingers can fit comfortably between the contours thereof for easy gripping.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A beverage container holder comprising:

at least one ring;

a handle, said handle having a substantially U-shape, said handle being connected to said at least one ring.

2. The beverage container holder of claim 1, said at least one ring being a pair of rings, said pair of rings being vertically aligned in a stacked orientation in relation to one another, said handle connecting said pair of rings.

3. The beverage container holder of claim 1, said at least on ring further comprising an adjustable strap.

4. The beverage container holder of claim 3, said adjustable strap being a ratchet strap and ratchet buckle, said ratchet buckle having a housing with an open end, an interior volume and a release lever,

said ratchet strap having a first side, a second side, a first end and a second end, said second side having a plurality of serrations disposed thereon, said second end of said ratchet strap being adapted to be incrementally fed into said open end of said housing and incrementally locked via said plurality of serrations of said ratchet strap;

said release lever adapted for manual actuation for releasing said strap from said open end of said housing.

5. The beverage container holder of claim 1, wherein said handle comprises a curved shape.

6. The beverage container holder of claim 1, wherein said handle comprises a substantially linear shape.

7. The beverage container holder of claim 1, wherein said at least one ring is substantially circular.

8. The beverage container holder of claim 1, wherein said at least one ring further comprises an ergonomic finger nub.